1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light, and they are produced by some of the universe’s most extreme phenomena.—
Christopher Karwin,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
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The festive, charming and energetic North American tour of the Broadway production is packed with as much nostalgia as new characters that are doppelgangers for the original series’ heroes and villains, and who often challenge our assumptions about their infamous families.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Video of the crash shared with the Statesman showed the airplanes colliding, spinning together and crashing to the ground in a fiery explosion.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
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During his interview with The New York Times after his ouster, Pelley provided some context for his fiery statements directed at Bilton during that tumultuous all-hands meeting.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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In recent years, Hollywood decided adult comedies were not good bets in movie theaters, and instead focused heavily on superheroes and animated films.—
Rodney Ho,
AJC.com,
22 May 2026
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Toons boom across the Croisette this year, with colorful features opening Critics’ Week, closing Directors’ Fortnight, and appearing across nearly every section — further cementing Cannes’ status as a premier launchpad for animated cinema.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Backstage, a handful of high-spirited elementary-age girls — known as Vista Horizon, a K-pop quintet from K-town — waved to them in awe and offered their congratulations.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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Well Decorated Shells, sparkles, and intricate beading work together to create a sandal that embraces summer’s spirited energy.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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The Fairmont draws a diverse crowd—from business travelers to couples celebrating anniversaries, to casual visitors—creating a lively but laid-back atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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The blueberry layer brings deep sweetness and vibrant color, while Meyer lemon adds a floral brightness that keeps the parfaits tasting fresh and lively.—
Laura Mclively,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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From the annals of cooking past, sauce jouvert, spunky with marjoram, red wine vinegar, both walnuts and hazelnuts, and breadcrumbs, is raised from the annals of recipe history to be draped over pretty much any kind of vegetable.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
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The news of the former couple’s split comes about Abdalla became an overnight household name as the spunky and Jennifer Lopez-loving Allie Hayes in the Prime Video series.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.—
Tara Anne Dalbow,
ARTnews.com,
29 May 2026
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Woe unto those who fail to entertain, animate or amuse.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bonner brought the bull market with him to CSUF, bringing his pressing, pestering and passionate style of play to a fanbase starved for success.—
Brian Robin,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
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Madison Square Garden is set to be filled to the brim Monday night with passionate Knicks fans decked out in their orange and blue pride, but eyes may be on what two of the most powerful New Yorkers will be doing during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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